PRINCE Charles has revealed that his son Prince Harry is nursing an injured neck as well as a broken toe.

The fourth in line to the throne has sought advice from his cousin Zara's husband Mike Tindall about the injury and has been bathing it in ice.

Charles, 64, discussed his son's injury with England rugby league player Sam Burgess at a Clarence House reception today for players and representatives from all 14 countries competing in the Rugby League World Cup.

Burgess, who was free to attend the reception because of a week-long suspension for a high tackle on Australian forward Sam Thaiday, was one of several players to meet the heir to the throne and discussed his own knowledge of dealing with injuries.

"Prince Charles said he might have to send Prince Harry to see me because he has hurt his neck," said Burgess. "He said he had sought advice from Zara's husband Mike Tindall about it and mentioned that Mike had helped. So we were talking about injuries and treatments and the need to ice his neck."

Harry has insisted the injuries will not disrupt preparations for a trek in the South Pole [PA]

It just flares up every now and again. He's trying to get it fixed once and for all

A source

A source close to Harry said later that the Prince was suffering from a flare up of an old injury which he sustained many years ago. "It just flares up every now and again," the source said.

"He's trying to get it fixed once and for all."

Harry has insisted that his broken toe and the neck injury will not disrupt his preparations for an arduous trek with wounded soldiers to the South Pole.

Kensington Palace insisted he will join next month's Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge.

Aides declined to say how Harry, 29, sustained the injury or when. "He's broken his toe but he will still be taking part," said one. "It won't have any impact on him. It's still very much on."